While this is the biggest issue in the magazine’s 16-year history, the price – R25.95 – has stayed the same, giving you exceptional value for money.

In the World Cup edition:

– We analyse all 20 teams: the ‘state of the nation’ going into the World Cup, their big strength and big weakness, the captain, the key player, the coach, the team’s World Cup record etc. It’s all here.

– The fascinating history of the World Cup and the crucial role South Africa played in the creation of the tournament

– A proud Kiwi recommends a few things you might want to try if you are in New Zealand sampling the best the rugby world has to offer

– In Hooked on Rugby, a new show on SuperSport, Bob Skinstad chats to legends of the game about the 2011 World Cup. We reveal some of what they had to say

– Key figures from the 1987 All Blacks side that lifted the first World Cup have some sage advice for Graham Henry’s class of 2011

– Keo on what the Springboks need to do to retain their World Cup title

– Defence coach Jacques Nienaber on what his job entails, how defence systems have changed, and working with the Springboks

– John Smit believes the Boks can become the first team to defend their World Cup crown

– Victor Matfield has ensured his place among the greats of the game

– Why Fourie du Preez is the most important member of the Bok backline

– Gio Aplon could play an important role off the bench for the Boks in New Zealand

– It took a while, but rugby league convert Chris Ashton has fallen in love with the 15-man game

– Pumas lock Patricio Albacete will shoulder more responsibility at his third World Cup

– Brian O’Driscoll wants Ireland to do their talking on the field

– France tighthead prop Nicolas Mas has earned the respect of his opponents

– Wales openside flank Sam Warburton is the complete package

– Scotland lock Richie Gray has shed his ‘Bambi’ tag

– All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has won just about everything worth winning in rugby. Except the one thing he really cares about

– Wallabies fullback Kurtley Beale got his rugby career back on track after finding balance in his life

– Martin Castrogiovanni’s scrumming prowess and passion for the game has endeared him to fans

– Everything you need to know about the 12 stadiums that will host World Cup matches this year

– All the World Cup records that matter

– In an extract from his new book, The Springboks and the Holy Grail, Dan Retief relives the 1995 World Cup semi-final between South Africa and France that was played in monsoon conditions